Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber, Trafford Town Hall, Talbot Road, Stretford

Contact: Ian Cockill  Democratic Services Officer

Media

Items
No. Item

46.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 121 KB

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 17 September 2014 for signature by the Mayor as Chairman.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 17 September 2014, be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

47.

Announcements

To receive any announcements from the Mayor, Leader of the Council, Members of the Executive, Chairmen of Scrutiny Committees and the Head of Paid Service.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

(a)            Councillor Duffield

 

The Mayor was pleased to announce that Councillor Anne Duffield was admitted as a Freeman of the City of York at the city’s Guildhall on 6 October 2014. The Council conveyed its congratulations to Councillor Duffield, the fourth generation and first woman in her family to be accepted as a Freeman of York.

 

(b)        Welcome

 

The Leader of the Council welcomed Will Mitchell, a pupil at Altrincham Grammar School, who was studying politics and gaining an experience of the Council that day.

 

(c)        Healthier Together Update

 

Further to the previous meeting of the Council held on 17 September 2014 (Minute No 42 refers), the Leader of the Council reported on the response he had received from Lord Howe, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Quality concerning the Healthier Together consultation process.

 

Lord Howe noted the concerns the Council had about the process and mentioned that Healthier Together was a local NHS consultation process and the Government was clear that the provision of health services was a matter for the local NHS. Lord Howe had shared the Council’s concerns with NHS England and the Chief Executive and the Leader had met with Mike Burrows, Director of the Greater Manchester Area Team to discuss the concerns further.

 

The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State had been advised by the local NHS that Healthier Together did not propose that any A&E departments should be downgraded or close and that the proposals covered the most seriously ill patients in A&E, acute medicine and acute surgery, having an impact on an estimated 1 in 25 of the Greater Manchester population. In respect of changes at Trafford General Hospital, the local NHS had advised that it had 3 neighbouring teaching hospitals with A&E departments, 2 of which would be specialist hospitals under all of the options proposed and the third hospital, University Hospital of South Manchester, could be either a specialist or local hospital. The local NHS believed that Healthier Together did not conflict with any commitments made as part of the previous Trafford consultation.

 

Lord Howe’s letter concluded that no final decisions had been taken by the NHS on the Healthier Together proposals and that the process was led by Manchester clinicians working to design services to improve quality and sustainability and ensure improved outcomes for patients. He encouraged the Council to continue to engage with the local NHS as the Healthier Together programme progressed.

 

(d)        Councillor Acton

 

The Leader of the Council was aware of some news concerning the Leader of the main Opposition and invited Councillor Acton to address the Council, whereby he announced that he was standing down as Leader of the Labour Group.

 

Councillor Acton indicated that after 17 years as Leader of the Group, including 7 years as Leader of the Council and 5 years as Deputy Group Leader beforehand, it was becoming difficult to manage his other roles as Chair of the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and most recently the Labour lead  ...  view the full minutes text for item 47.

48.

Questions By Members

This is an opportunity for Members of Council to ask the Mayor, Members of the Executive or the Chairman of any Committee or Sub-Committee a question on notice under Procedure Rule 10.2.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Mayor reported that 2 questions had been received under Procedure Rule 10.2.

 

(a)        Councillor Freeman asked the following question for which he had given notice:

 

“I have previously asked a range of questions both here in this chamber and by way of email on the subject of Home to School Transport arrangements. Whilst I am grateful of the comprehensive answers provided so far, I remain extremely concerned that the new HTST arrangements do not appear to have adequate clear safeguarding arrangements built into them to monitor and assess risk for the journeys being undertaken daily and monitor whether all those working with our Special Needs Children have the necessary Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks in place. Can you please explain to me your understanding of these arrangements?” 

         

In response to the question, Councillor Cornes the Executive Member for Children’s Services confirmed that as part of the new Home to School arrangements, safeguarding recommendations had been implemented with revised service standards in place and monitoring of quality standards established. The Executive Member assured the Council that he had confidence in the safeguarding arrangements and that where specific difficulties had been identified information had been sought from experts.

 

Councillor Cornes also advised that in tendering for contracts, service providers supply assurances on compliance with Council requirements and it was a contractual requirement for DBS checks to be made on drivers employed on contracts.

 

Scrutiny Committee was seeking to review changes to the contractual arrangements and the Executive Member had accepted a request to participate in the process.

 

Councillor Freeman maintained that there were issues around compliance and asked as a supplementary question why the Council had not in place a generic risk assessment for a safe transport arrangements and whether it could be considered and one put in place?

 

In response Councillor Cornes re-affirmed that procedures were in place and suggested that the Scrutiny process, with which he was engaging, would be the arena in which to discuss this further.

         

(b)        Councillor Mrs. Brophy asked the following question for which she had given notice:

 

“Residents have increasingly been contacting me about the lack of thought some people have when dropping off or picking up on the school run. Especially where cars are parking close to exits on main roads such as Park Road in Timperley. Local residents tell me that there are many potential accidents waiting to happen.

 

I am aware that Parking Services will now ask the Enforcement Officers to place some 'Pavements are for People' leaflets on the offending cars.

 

The police can get involved if vehicles are causing an obstruction. Would the Executive Member let me know if any meetings are planned with Police Officers to enforce this parking issue that is widespread across Trafford? After all 'Pavements are for People'.”

 

Councillor Lamb, Executive Member for Communities and Partnerships advised that every day Civil Enforcement Officers carried out up to 5 visits at schools on a rota basis, with most schools getting a visit  ...  view the full minutes text for item 48.

49.

Designation of Statutory Scrutiny Officer and Deputy Monitoring Officer pdf icon PDF 49 KB

To consider a report of the Director of Legal and Democratic Services.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Director of Legal and Democratic Services submitted a report regarding the designation of officers to the roles of Statutory Scrutiny Officer and Deputy Monitoring Officer.

 

RESOLVED –

 

(1)        That the Democratic and Performance Services Manager be designated as the Council’s Statutory Scrutiny Officer.

 

(2)        That the Council notes that the Head of Legal (Community) will act as the Council’s Deputy Monitoring Officer.

50.

Polling District and Polling Places Review pdf icon PDF 81 KB

To consider a report of the Chief Executive.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chief Executive submitted a report setting out proposals to enable the Council to comply with its statutory duty to review all Parliamentary polling districts and polling places and to review all local government polling districts and polling places at the same time.

 

After being moved and seconded, the report’s recommendations were put to the vote and declared carried. 

 

        RESOLVED –

 

(1)        That the Final Review Proposals for polling districts and polling places, as set out in Appendix 2 to the report, be approved.

 

(2)        That responsibility for the on-going review of polling districts, polling places and polling stations between the four yearly reviews, be delegated to the Electoral Registration Officer in consultation with the Group Leaders.

51.

Motion Submitted by the Labour Group - Fracking

 

To reconsider the following Motion adjourned at the meeting held on 16 July 2014:

 

This Council opposes changes to the trespass laws in the Queens speech which will allow companies involved in fracking, which pumps water and chemicals in to shale rock deep underground to release methane gas, to drill under homes without needing permission.

 

These laws hastily changed at the same time as a recent poll showed 75% public are opposed to fracking.

 

Public concerns raised include risk of earth tremors, contamination of ground and surface water, release of greenhouse gases and noise pollution for residents living in the vicinity. All these are genuine concerns, whilst at the same time it is recognised that the most optimistic forecast suggest that shale drilling could meet no more than 10% of European gas demand by 2030. The fact is that any long term damage to our environment would be irreversible, as we see now in America with hundreds of abandoned wells.

 

We strongly believe we should be listening to the views of local people and the evidence in relation to health and safety and that our duty as a council is to protect the health and wellbeing of our residents and oppose fracking and coal bed extraction of methane gas in Trafford.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Further to Minute No. 32 of the meeting held on 16 July 2014, it was moved and seconded that:

 

“This Council opposes changes to the trespass laws in the Queens speech which will allow companies involved in fracking, which pumps water and chemicals in to shale rock deep underground to release methane gas, to drill under homes without needing permission.

 

These laws hastily changed at the same time as a recent poll showed 75% public are opposed to fracking.

 

Public concerns raised include risk of earth tremors, contamination of ground and surface water, release of greenhouse gases and noise pollution for residents living in the vicinity. All these are genuine concerns, whilst at the same time it is recognised that the most optimistic forecast suggest that shale drilling could meet no more than 10% of European gas demand by 2030. The fact is that any long term damage to our environment would be irreversible, as we see now in America with hundreds of abandoned wells.

 

We strongly believe we should be listening to the views of local people and the evidence in relation to health and safety and that our duty as a council is to protect the health and wellbeing of our residents and oppose fracking and coal bed extraction of methane gas in Trafford.”

 

It was moved and seconded as an amendment that:

 

“Public concerns about fracking, that is the hydraulic fracturing of shale rock to recover gas and oil, include the risk of earth tremors, contamination of ground and surface water, the release of 'greenhouse' gases and noise pollution for residents living in the vicinity.  All these are genuine concerns, and the public remains divided on the merits or otherwise, of ‘fracking’. 

 

Consequently, in considering any future 'fracking' applications (of which none have so far been received in Trafford), this Council believes that we should listen to the views of local people, and the evidence in relation to health and safety, as it is our duty to protect the health and wellbeing of our residents. In addition, Council notes that all planning applications are considered in accordance with procedure which includes the views of residents.

 

The Council will not be supportive of ‘fracking’ until such time as satisfactory evidence or beneficial community interest can be provided to allay public concerns.”

 

The mover and seconder of the Motion signified acceptance of the amendment, subject to intensification of the Council’s opposition to fracking in the final paragraph. The mover and seconder of the amendment also signified their consent to the alteration of the amendment as follows:

 

“Public concerns about fracking, that is the hydraulic fracturing of shale rock to recover gas and oil, include the risk of earth tremors, contamination of ground and surface water, the release of 'greenhouse' gases and noise pollution for residents living in the vicinity.  All these are genuine concerns, and the public remains divided on the merits or otherwise, of ‘fracking’. 

 

Consequently, in considering any future ‘fracking' applications (of which none have  ...  view the full minutes text for item 51.

52.

Motion Submitted by the Conservative Group - Motor Neurone Disease Charter

 

The Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association has recently launched a Charter to gain support for individuals with MND to work towards their vision of the right care, in the right time and at the right place for those with MND and their carers.

 

Having examined the Charter it is proposed that this Council signs up to the Charter to show we understand the principals involved and support them.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was moved and seconded that:

 

“The Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association has recently launched a Charter to gain support for individuals with MND to work towards their vision of the right care, in the right time and at the right place for those with MND and their carers.

 

Having examined the Charter it is proposed that this Council signs up to the Charter to show we understand the principals involved and support them.”

 

Members spoke in favour of the Motion and Councillor Michael Young, Executive Member for Adult Social Services and Community Wellbeing, indicated he would advise Councillor Baugh of the number of cases in Trafford.

 

The Motion was agreed with the unanimous consent of the Council.

 

RESOLVED: That the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association has recently launched a Charter to gain support for individuals with MND to work towards their vision of the right care, in the right time and at the right place for those with MND and their carers.

 

Having examined the Charter it is proposed that this Council signs up to the Charter to show we understand the principals involved and support them.

53.

Motion Submitted by the Labour Group - Stamford Brook

 

This Council notes the emergence and subsequent rapid growth of the Stamford Brook area in recent years. Sustainable developments such as Stamford Brook are key to providing the family homes that we need to meet increased demand over the next few years. However, it is imperative that such family-orientated developments are properly integrated in to the local community and that the safety of residents is paramount. Traffic management and road safety play a key part in ensuring this.

 

Trafford Council understands the growing concern of Stamford Brook residents, the Stamford Brook Residents Association and local councillors about speeding, highway maintenance and crime in the area. To this end the Authority resolves to:

 

-          Implement traffic calming measures on Turnbull Road and Stamford Brook Road to reduce the speed of motorists utilising Turnbull Road as an alternative route from the A56 to Sinderland Road;

 

-          Provide a safe crossing point on Turnbull Road near to the junction with Rosefinch Road, accepting that this road must be successfully traversed by any child walking from Stamford Brook to Broadheath Primary School;

 

-          Prioritise the adoption of all outstanding roads in the Stamford Brook area, thereby ensuring that streetlights will be maintained by the Council;

 

-          Increase public safety and provide a deterrent to criminals who have targeted the area for burglaries in recent months;

 

-          Consult with residents with a view to introducing a 20mph speed limit on residential roads in the Stamford Brook area, in recognition of the fact that this is primarily a family development inhabited by a large number of young families with children.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was moved and seconded that:

 

“This Council notes the emergence and subsequent rapid growth of the Stamford Brook area in recent years. Sustainable developments such as Stamford Brook are key to providing the family homes that we need to meet increased demand over the next few years. However, it is imperative that such family-orientated developments are properly integrated in to the local community and that the safety of residents is paramount. Traffic management and road safety play a key part in ensuring this.

 

Trafford Council understands the growing concern of Stamford Brook residents, the Stamford Brook Residents Association and local councillors about speeding, highway maintenance and crime in the area. To this end the Authority resolves to:

 

-      Implement traffic calming measures on Turnbull Road and Stamford Brook Road to reduce the speed of motorists utilising Turnbull Road as an alternative route from the A56 to Sinderland Road;

 

-      Provide a safe crossing point on Turnbull Road near to the junction with Rosefinch Road, accepting that this road must be successfully traversed by any child walking from Stamford Brook to Broadheath Primary School;

 

-      Prioritise the adoption of all outstanding roads in the Stamford Brook area, thereby ensuring that streetlights will be maintained by the Council;

 

-      Increase public safety and provide a deterrent to criminals who have targeted the area for burglaries in recent months;

 

-      Consult with residents with a view to introducing a 20mph speed limit on residential roads in the Stamford Brook area, in recognition of the fact that this is primarily a family development inhabited by a large number of young families with children.”

 

It was moved and seconded as an amendment that:

 

This Council notes the expansion of the Stamford Brook estate development and its continued growth and popularity.

 

Sustainable developments such as this are required to provide the family homes that we need to meet increased demand over the coming years.

 

The Council recognises the need to ensure that family orientated developments such as this are properly integrated and that measures are taken to ensure the safety of residents, both in the community and on local roads.

 

Trafford Council understands the representations made by residents, members, and the Stamford Brook Residents Association about speeding, highway maintenance and crime. 

 

The Council therefore resolves to:

 

1.           To complete its review of traffic calming measures on Turnbull Road and Stamford Brook Road to reduce the speed of motorists using the area as an alternative route from the A56 to Sinderland Road;

2.           To implement, subject to a safety assessment, a safe crossing point on Turnbull Road, taking into account representations and professional advice received on the most effective location, and will endeavour to secure funding in the capital programme to facilitate this; 

3.           To work with Greater Manchester Police to alleviate concerns raised in relation to burglary, in consultation with ward members;

4.           To work with the developer to prioritise the adoption of all outstanding roads, thereby ensuring street lights are maintained by  ...  view the full minutes text for item 53.

54.

Motion Submitted by the Labour Group - Closure of Youth Provision

 

This Council views with dismay the Council Executive proposals to close ALL of Trafford Youth Centres and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Centre, along with four more Children Centres, as well as the discontinuation of holiday play schemes, the withdrawal of the Outdoor Education Team, Street Based Youth Work Teams – and to provide only the minimum statutory duty for Connexions and the Education Welfare services.

 

Clearly Trafford Council has a responsibility and duty to back and support the next generation, and the future of our young people must be paramount and our top priority. Therefore we call on the Council Executive to reconsider its proposal for the mass closure of children and youth provision in Trafford.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was moved and seconded that:

 

“This Council views with dismay the Council Executive proposals to close ALL of Trafford Youth Centres and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Centre, along with four more Children Centres, as well as the discontinuation of holiday play schemes, the withdrawal of the Outdoor Education Team, Street Based Youth Work Teams – and to provide only the minimum statutory duty for Connexions and the Education Welfare services.

 

Clearly Trafford Council has a responsibility and duty to back and support the next generation, and the future of our young people must be paramount and our top priority. Therefore we call on the Council Executive to reconsider its proposal for the mass closure of children and youth provision in Trafford.”

 

It was moved and seconded as an amendment that:

 

“This Council regrets the proposals issued for consultation to overcome the fiscal challenge it faces, to close all of Trafford’s open access youth centres and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Centre, along with four more children centres, as well as the discontinuation of holiday play schemes, the withdrawal of the Outdoor Education Team, Street Based Youth Work Teams and to provide only the minimum statutory duty for Connexions and the Education Welfare services. 

 

We recognise the Early Years Intervention proposal targets remaining provision at the most vulnerable young people, and is similar to that put forward by Labour controlled Oldham.

 

Trafford Council recognises it has a responsibility and duty to back and support the next generation, and the future of our young people must be paramount and a key priority for the Borough.

 

Therefore we resolve that all Members will fully engage with the current consultation with a view to identifying alternative delivery models that both enable the necessary financial savings to be made and ensure that sustainable youth provision is maintained. 

 

In addition, the Council Executive will work with partners across the Borough to mitigate the impact of the proposals should they proceed.

 

At conclusion of the consultation period, the Council Executive would then be able to consider its proposals for the future youth provision in Trafford on a fully informed basis taking into consideration all feedback received.”

 

[Note: During the debate on the amendment, the time being 8.49 p.m., the Mayor indicated that all speeches on this item would now be limited to a maximum of one minute per speaker.]

 

Following a debate on the matter, the amendment was put to the vote and declared carried. The substantive Motion was then put to the vote and declared carried.

 

RESOLVED: That this Council regrets the proposals issued for consultation to overcome the fiscal challenge it faces, to close all of Trafford’s open access youth centres and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Centre, along with four more children centres, as well as the discontinuation of holiday play schemes, the withdrawal of the Outdoor Education Team, Street Based Youth Work Teams and to provide only the minimum statutory duty for Connexions and the Education Welfare services. 

 

We  ...  view the full minutes text for item 54.

55.

Motion Submitted by the Labour Group - Trafford General Hospital

 

This Council is extremely concerned to learn that a programme of job losses has been announced at Trafford General Hospital which will lead to redundancies amongst support staff. This latest announcement follows quick on the heels of the downgrading of Accident and Emergency and other services at the hospital last year. No public consultation has been carried out in consideration of this latest action taken by the Hospital Trust.

 

We therefore call on the Council to write to the Hospital Trust asking that the redundancy notices be withdrawn until such time as meaningful and thorough public consultation has taken place.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

[Note: Prior to the debate on this item, the time being 9.07 p.m., the Mayor indicated that for the remainder of the meeting all speeches would now be limited to a maximum of one minute per speaker.]

 

[Note: Councillor Adshead declared a prejudicial interest in this matter, given that he is employed by Trafford General Hospital and left the meeting during consideration of this matter.]

 

It was moved and seconded that:

 

“This Council is extremely concerned to learn that a programme of job losses has been announced at Trafford General Hospital which will lead to redundancies amongst support staff. This latest announcement follows quick on the heels of the downgrading of Accident and Emergency and other services at the hospital last year. No public consultation has been carried out in consideration of this latest action taken by the Hospital Trust.

 

We therefore call on the Council to write to the Hospital Trust asking that the redundancy notices be withdrawn until such time as meaningful and thorough public consultation has taken place.”

 

Following a debate on the matter, the Motion was put to the vote and declared lost.

56.

Motion Submitted by the Conservative Group - Northern Powerhouse

This Council welcomes the announcement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to create a Northern Powerhouse, capable of performing on an international stage to create jobs and growth for everybody that lives in the North of England.

 

Council notes steps taken to ensure progress is made in this endeavour including the notion that an HS3 East to West line would increase capacity and shorten journey times between Greater Manchester and Leeds.

 

Members acknowledge the offer made in the Greater Manchester Agreement, which is to be debated in the coming months.

 

The Council recognises the support of senior Labour Council Leaders in ensuring a Conservative Chancellor after the next General Election as the only option in securing this future Northern Powerhouse vision and agrees entirely with that support.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was moved and seconded that:

 

“This Council welcomes the announcement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to create a Northern Powerhouse, capable of performing on an international stage to create jobs and growth for everybody that lives in the North of England.

 

Council notes steps taken to ensure progress is made in this endeavour including the notion that an HS3 East to West line would increase capacity and shorten journey times between Greater Manchester and Leeds.

 

Members acknowledge the offer made in the Greater Manchester Agreement, which is to be debated in the coming months.

 

The Council recognises the support of senior Labour Council Leaders in ensuring a Conservative Chancellor after the next General Election as the only option in securing this future Northern Powerhouse vision and agrees entirely with that support.”

 

Following a debate on the matter, the Motion was put to the vote and declared carried.

 

RESOLVED: That this Council welcomes the announcement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to create a Northern Powerhouse, capable of performing on an international stage to create jobs and growth for everybody that lives in the North of England.

 

Council notes steps taken to ensure progress is made in this endeavour including the notion that an HS3 East to West line would increase capacity and shorten journey times between Greater Manchester and Leeds.

 

Members acknowledge the offer made in the Greater Manchester Agreement, which is to be debated in the coming months.

 

The Council recognises the support of senior Labour Council Leaders in ensuring a Conservative Chancellor after the next General Election as the only option in securing this future Northern Powerhouse vision and agrees entirely with that support.

57.

Motion Submitted by the Conservative Group - Pledge of Hope - Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner

 

This Council is supportive of the following pledge and requests that the Chief Executive write to the Police and Crime Commissioner to indicate as such.

 

We stand up for hope in our communities, not the fear and hatred extremists would use to divide us.

We vow to import peace, never to export conflict.

 

We are proud of our city and region.

 

We celebrate our common heritage of peaceful radical protest to achieve social progress and justice.

 

We uphold the right to peaceful protest as essential in a healthy democracy.

 

However, we will stand up to those who try to use protest to divide or threaten our people and whip up intolerance, violence and hatred. 

 

We gain strength from the diversity of our people.

 

We pledge:

 

  To promote positive relationships between all communities and reject and condemn any form of discrimination, violence or harassment to any member of our communities.

 

  In exercising the right to demonstrate and protest, we will not do anything to generate hostility or division between our communities. We will avoid doing anything in our protest to cause racial or religious hatred or prejudice on grounds of race, nationality, sex, sexuality or religion.

 

  In managing protests, we will facilitate peaceful protest as the exercising of a basic democratic right

 

  In expressing deeply held opinions, including the use of social media, we will do so responsibly and respect the right of others to do the same

 

  To ensure everyone involved in the managing of protest and those who organise and participate in our protest to abide by this pledge.

 

We expect the community of Greater Manchester to hold us to account in continuing to promote strong communities that work against hatred and fear.

 

On behalf of all of the people of Trafford and Greater Manchester, we call on all those in the news media to report issues on protests and demonstrations, race, nationality, gender, sexuality and religion positively, responsibly and with sensitivity.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was moved and seconded that:

 

“This Council is supportive of the following pledge and requests that the Chief Executive write to the Police and Crime Commissioner to indicate as such.

 

We stand up for hope in our communities, not the fear and hatred extremists would use to divide us.

 

We vow to import peace, never to export conflict.

 

We are proud of our city and region.

 

We celebrate our common heritage of peaceful radical protest to achieve social progress and justice.

 

We uphold the right to peaceful protest as essential in a healthy democracy.

 

However, we will stand up to those who try to use protest to divide or threaten our people and whip up intolerance, violence and hatred. 

 

We gain strength from the diversity of our people.

 

We pledge:

 

  To promote positive relationships between all communities and reject and condemn any form of discrimination, violence or harassment to any member of our communities.

 

  In exercising the right to demonstrate and protest, we will not do anything to generate hostility or division between our communities. We will avoid doing anything in our protest to cause racial or religious hatred or prejudice on grounds of race, nationality, sex, sexuality or religion.

 

  In managing protests, we will facilitate peaceful protest as the exercising of a basic democratic right

 

  In expressing deeply held opinions, including the use of social media, we will do so responsibly and respect the right of others to do the same

 

  To ensure everyone involved in the managing of protest and those who organise and participate in our protest to abide by this pledge.

 

We expect the community of Greater Manchester to hold us to account in continuing to promote strong communities that work against hatred and fear.

 

On behalf of all of the people of Trafford and Greater Manchester, we call on all those in the news media to report issues on protests and demonstrations, race, nationality, gender, sexuality and religion positively, responsibly and with sensitivity.

 

Following speeches in support, the Motion was agreed with the unanimous consent of the Council.

 

RESOLVED: That this Council is supportive of the following pledge and requests that the Chief Executive write to the Police and Crime Commissioner to indicate as such.

 

We stand up for hope in our communities, not the fear and hatred extremists would use to divide us.

 

We vow to import peace, never to export conflict.

 

We are proud of our city and region.

 

We celebrate our common heritage of peaceful radical protest to achieve social progress and justice.

 

We uphold the right to peaceful protest as essential in a healthy democracy.

 

However, we will stand up to those who try to use protest to divide or threaten our people and whip up intolerance, violence and hatred. 

 

We gain strength from the diversity of our people.

 

We pledge:

 

  To promote positive relationships between all communities and reject and condemn any form of discrimination, violence or harassment to any  ...  view the full minutes text for item 57.